All things Christmas

Hello Family and Friends,

It is that time again (how did the year go so fast?).. for the annual Duncan newsletter I am doing it on our blog this year!

We have had a great year, we have had many good times, made good memories and feel that life is good!

Waylon is still teaching Spanish and this year also started teaching yearbook. He is coaching basketball again and is keeping busy! At church this year he has served in the Primary (teaching Olivia's class) and in the Elders Quorum (the men). Church service is a big part of our lives. Waylon laid some flooring last Spring that caused lots of problems in his already problematic back. He is feeling lots better, meaning the pain is still there, but manageable (his craniosacral therapist had everything to do with that!). Waylon loves spending time with the family and of course sports (most importantly the Broncos).

Rachael is doing great! After a minor car accident in 9/08 was left with a lot of pain. Many, many, many visits to the physical therapist, chiropractor, massage therapist and craniosacral therapist and by the end of summer, was feeling better. Happy to be done with all of that pain that really put on a damper on doing a lot of things she enjoyed!! Rachael is back to working out without pain (YAY) and really enjoying life being back to normal. Rachael takes care of the family and organizes everything (as do most mothers!) and really finds joy, contentment and satisfaction in taking care of her family! This year she served in Relief Society (the women in our church) and Young Women (The youth in our church). Rachael has really enjoyed the time she serves and lifts others:) As you can see, one of my new favorite things to do is Blog! I really enjoy doing it (it isn't like sewing or quilting that you have to drag out, set up and put away-it is so simple and right now in my life it is awesome!). I also enjoy being able to keep up with family and friends while creating a history, a journal for my family.

Michael is growing up so fast. This year he was Baptized and is quite an awesome kid! He loves to learn and has struggled this year not being challenged in 2nd grade, he is doing great! He loves Math and reading. He has quite taken to Bakugan (a toy/tv series), kickball (we play it almost everyday in the backyard) and Cub Scouts!! The sports he played this year were: Basketball, soccer, baseball, football and he was in the chess club! Michael is an obedient, wonderful child and we are so blessed to have him in our family:)

Olivia is 6 already (7 coming soon too!) Olivia is such a sweetheart, she really tries to take care of others and help them out. She decided at the end of Kindergarten that she wanted to be an artist and a mom when she grows up. Being artistic is something that comes natural to her and she LOVES it. She constantly needs more paper, scissors, glue sticks to use in creating so many different things. She is very thoughtful about what she makes, how she makes it and who she gives it to. Olivia has had asthma and allergies for over 4 years now--she has grown out of it some this year, she is now off of all medication and feeling better. Olivia loves to learn and go to school. Her reading is really starting to take off! Olivia did gymnastics, soccer, baseball (twice-once in spring, once in fall) and is playing basketball right now too. Olivia is beautiful, kind and is making really good decisions! We are so blessed to have our little princess!

Isaac is Isaac-As I am writing this, he is streaking through the house, laughing. He is a ball of energy, very loving and a joy in our lives. He will be a Sunbeam (class in primary at church) in a few weeks and is such a smart kid. He picks up on everything and is ready to read. He learned all of the letter sounds and really wants to put them together, he also can count to 100. He is the craziest kid but the biggest sweetheart all at the same time. We are so grateful for our little dude!

It has been a great year and we know next year will be awesome too! It hasn't come without it's challenges and trials, but we know that together and with Heavenly Father and our Savior we can get through anything and enjoy life while we are doing it!! Hope you have a great Holiday Season!!

Love the Duncans